Gerardo Elenilson Portillo, of Lynn, Massachusetts, is now in custody after he allegedly attempted to kidnap and rape a woman approximately 9:30 p.m. on July 25, 2016.
The 26-year-old man allegedly followed the victim, who was walking down Revere Street, in a grey Honda Civic. According to police, after he pulled out in front of her and asked her to join him, the victim kept walking and told the suspect she was not interested.
The suspect then allegedly followed the victim on foot and proceeded to attack her after she refused to get into the car. After the victim started screaming, the suspect fled.
Detectives from Winthrop police, assisted by Revere, Lynn and Somerville police, tracked down the suspect at his workplace in Somerville, Mass.
Portillo will be charged with Assault with the Intent to Rape, Attempted Kidnapping, Indecent A&B, Strangulation and Child Endangerment. Those who may have been similarly approached or assaulted are encouraged to contact the local police department.
